Press Release

Citizens For A Better Citizens Website Launched To Solicit Suggestions From Consumers

Monday, November 27, 2006

TALLAHASSEE (11/27/2006) – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today unveiled a new website that will allow interested parties to submit suggestions to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens). The website is intended to run in conjunction with three public hearings Citizens is required to hold around the state.

In September, Governor Jeb Bush and members of the Florida Cabinet approved a motion by Attorney General Charlie Crist which rejected a proposed plan of operation for Citizens, saying it failed to recognize its responsibility to the people it was created to serve. Citizens was ordered to schedule the public hearings to solicit public suggestions on how it can improve customer service and operate in a more efficient manner. After completing the hearings Citizens will be required to submit an amended plan of operation by January 31st.

The website launched today by the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) on behalf of the Financial Services Commission allows interested parties who are not able to attend one of the hearings to fill out a form and submit suggestions at www.CitizensForABetterCitizens.com. (This website is no longer operational - 6/24/2011)

The first public hearing will be held today, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Westin Key West Hotel, in Key West. The dates and locations of the other hearings have not been finalized but will be listed on the Citizens for a Better Citizens website when they are scheduled.

"I am looking forward to these hearings so I can hear personally from Floridians who rely on Citizens for their property insurance," said Commissioner McCarty. "The concerns expressed in the order issued by the Governor and Cabinet regarding ‘service and treatment of the highest possible level' for Citizens customers need to be implemented as soon as possible."

The order also prohibits Citizens from spending money to hire outside counsel to challenge rate decisions made by the Office of Insurance Regulation.